Camera collaboration configuration

ABSTRACT

One example method may include receiving a content capture action initiated from a mobile device, determining whether content capture devices are proximate to the mobile device, capturing content associated with a location of the mobile device based on one or more mobile device profile preferences, and responsive to capturing the content, updating a mobile device profile status.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates to a camera or cameras and more specifically toa camera collaboration configuration with a network of collaboratedcameras for use by subscribers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The digital cell phone has been around since 1988 thanks to an Americaninventor by the name of Jesse Eugene Russell, of whom it took from1984-1988 to build the first digital cellular system in any place in theworld. Currently, most digital cellular phones include a camera and mostpeople utilize digital cell phones as the sole device for takingpictures. However, a user is limited to the images and videos capturedby their individual devices.

As the popularity of image and video capturing continues to rise, theusers are seeking easier ways to solicit more content, faster andwithout any actions necessary as a condition precedent. For example, auser may currently enact an image capturing function on their mobiledevice, however, the angles may be limited, also, the user must selectthe image capturing option to reverse the angle and then hold the camerain a particular position only to take a single photograph or video whichmay not be an optimal image as compared to some other cameras and/orangles available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments provide a method that includes receiving a contentcapture action initiated from a mobile device, determining whethercontent capture devices are proximate to the mobile device, capturingcontent associated with a location of the mobile device based on one ormore mobile device profile preferences, and responsive to capturing thecontent, updating a mobile device profile status.

Another example embodiment may include a system that includes a mobiledevice configured to forward a content capture action initiated by themobile device, and a server configured to receive the content captureaction, determine whether content capture devices are proximate to themobile device, and the content capture devices are configured to capturecontent associated with a location of the mobile device based on one ormore mobile device profile preferences; and the server, responsive toreceiving the captured content, is configured to update a mobile deviceprofile status.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example of a network in whichan aerial camera coordination (ACC) system operates, according toexample embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate an example of the operation of the ACC system,according to example embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another example of the operation of the ACCsystem, according to example embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of a user attempting to capturecontent at a distance, according to example embodiments.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate an example of a user attempting to capturecontent at a distance with the assistance of a remote in-network camera,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 4E illustrate an example of a remote user device attempting tocapture content on behalf of the original user device requesting anoptimal camera angle, according to example embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example image capturing network of image capturingdevices operating with a mobile device as part of a content capturingsubscription network, according to example embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example graphical user interface of an imagecapturing network application operating on a user mobile device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates another example graphical user interface of an imagecapturing network application operating on a user mobile device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example system configuration of a user deviceaccessing content captured from a remote camera/capture device,according to example embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example system configuration of a user device ‘A’accessing content captured from a remote user device ‘B’, according toexample embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a computer system configured to supportthe example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to implementations, an aerial camera coordination ACC system(“ACC system”) for mobile devices, such as mobile devices, such as cellphones, smartphones, tablets, etc., captures ‘selfies’, photos, and/orvideo according to user device requirements, user device profilepreferences, etc., which are setup by a user prior to engaging theapplication. The ACC system operates on a mobile device to communicatewith and capture images and/or video from one or more camera systems(“satellite cameras”) located within a particular vicinity of the mobiledevice. The ACC system provides an interface that permits a user to viewthe images and/or videos available from the satellite cameras and toselect which images and videos to capture from the satellite cameras.For example, the user may pay-per-instance, and thus the user may desireto select the content that is most desired and disregard the contentthat is undesired. With the ACC system, a user can control what type ofimage and/or video is captured and rendered by the mobile device, e.g.,a regular personal, group, or panoramic view selfie photo/video, from avariety of views and angles.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example of a network in which anaerial camera coordination (ACC) system operates, according to exampleembodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, the system network 100 may include avariety of cameras, such as a mounted camera 106, an extraterrestrialsatellite camera, or other camera from another user mobile device. Anycamera that is compatible with the network of cameras which are knownand registered with the application server may perform image/videocapturing and sharing with the subscriber 103 of the registered mobiledevice account of the mobile device 102. A network 108, such as theInternet may provide a backbone for sharing content and accountcredentials, such as the profile information stored in the computersystem 104 (e.g., server, database, etc.). The network system 100 may bea combination of the user interface on the mobile device 102 and thecomputer system 104, network 108, along with the solicited cameras 106.

The ACC system provides everyday mobile device users a broader use ofimage capturing capabilities and provides the user with an opportunityto receive more abundant, different and/or higher quality video andimages. The ACC system can include image manipulation software andfeatures that permit a user to alter the video captured by the satellitecameras 106. For example, the ACC system 101 permits a user to createmovie-like scenes. The ACC system 101 permits the user to create uniquephoto/video movie scenes by recording in regular, slow motion, highspeed, high resolution, and high definition. The ACC system 101 alsopermits the creation of 3D and 2D animations, thereby permitting theuser to take control of their videos and photographic experiences ontheir own personal mobile devices. As such, the user can send andreceive 2D and 3D images and videos to offer users a broader use oftheir mobile device and beyond the mobile device's capabilities, forexample, by turning the mobile device into a professional photo andfilming device. The ACC system 101 can also create animation like videosto capture and create unique type images and videos for a moreinteresting way of filming and capturing photos on a mobile device.

In certain implementations, the ACC system 101 can utilize mobile devicecameras with a built-in telescopic retractable lens. The telescopic lenspermits the user to bring images from a far away distance, which isbeyond a camera's capturing capability, and provide HD and 4K high HDresolution quality, just as if you the user were standing directly infront of the filmed object.

The ACC system 101 can also be used as a security system. For example,when parking in an unsafe environment, the user can activate thepanoramic view option. The ACC system will capture images and video fromthe satellite cameras from the unsafe environment. The ACC system canthen display in real-time an overview scene in the area where the useris located to provide various angles which may put the user at ease ifno other persons are located in the general area. As such, the user canbe alert and aware at all times to attempt to prevent and escapeattacks, even in areas where a user's view is quite limited.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ACC system 101 is controlled by a mobiledevice 102. The mobile device 102 can be any type of computer systemthat can be operated at various locations by a user 103, such as a cellphone, smart phone, tablet, laptop computer, etc. The ACC system can beconfigured to communicate with a computer system 104 and satellitecameras 106, which includes mounted cameras in ceilings, towers, walls,etc., and in higher locations, such as drones and extraterrestrialsatellites, and the like, via a network 108. In implementations, the ACCsystems 101 can be configured to communicate with and capture imagesand/or video from the satellite cameras 106 located within an area ofthe mobile device 102. The ACC system 101 provides an interface thatpermits a user to view the images and videos available from thesatellite cameras 106 and select which images and videos to capture fromthe satellite cameras 106. As such, the ACC system 101 permits the user103 of the mobile phone 102 to capture images from different angles andviews of the area as described in detail below with reference toexamples.

In implementations, the satellite cameras 106 can be any type and numberof cameras located in the vicinity of the mobile device 102. Forexample, the satellite cameras 106 can include security camerasinstalled in the vicinity, cameras on mobile devices located in thevicinity, traffic cameras located in the vicinity, orbital and/or fixedsatellite cameras traveling over or positioned near the area, cameraslocated on drones in the vicinity, cameras located on cell towers,television cameras filing in the vicinity, and the like.

In various implementations, the ACC system 101 (and the components ofthe ACC system 101) are implemented as software programs or modules thatperform the methods, process, and protocols described herein. Thesoftware programs or modules can be written in a variety of programminglanguages, such as JAVA, C++, C#, Python code, Visual Basic, hypertextmarkup language (HTML), extensible markup language (XML), and the liketo accommodate a variety of operating systems, computing systemarchitectures, etc.

In various implementations, the ACC system 101 can communicate with thecomputer system 104. The computer system 104 can be configured tocommunicate with the satellite cameras 106 and assist the ACC system 101in the capture and manipulation of the images. For example, the computersystem 104 can be configured to capture, manipulate (e.g., sharpen,dull, focus, clip, expand, etc.), and store images from the satellitecameras 106.

FIG. 2A-2F illustrate an example of concert venue in which the ACCsystem can be used, according to various implementations. Inimplementations, the ACC system permits a user to select and captureunique images and videos using one or more cameras located around theconcert venue, referred to as ‘satellite cameras’. FIG. 2A illustrates aconcert stage scene from an aerial snap shot view captured with one ormore of the satellite cameras. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the ACCsystem, controlled by a mobile device, can present a user with variousscenes and views that can be captured by the satellite cameras locatedaround the concert venue. The user can select the desired scene andcapture the scene using the satellite cameras, for example, the concertstage. As such, the ACC system permits the user to take an aerial viewphoto of the concert stage 200, front and center, to bring the photo tolife with amazing views to demonstrate the stage from every possibleangle from anywhere in the venue that the cameras can capture contentdata.

As illustrated, FIG. 2B the geolocation features of the mobile devicecan be utilized to identify the location of the user and capture acorresponding image or video using the satellite cameras. As shown inboth FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ACC system can generate and add graphics andother details to the images and videos captured by the satellitecameras, such as a box highlighting a scene. As such, the ACC systemcaptures an image or video that provides a bird's eye view of where theuser is seated at the venue. This allows the user to share the locationwith friends and share photo moments of the event. For example, the usercan send the location image or video to friends that are running late tothe concert or any crowded outdoor event in order to assist withlocating the user(s) 202 as observed from a solicited accessible camera204 which may be owned and operated by a third party.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the ACC system can allow a user(s)212 to select and capture images or video from various angles 222 usingthe satellite cameras 204, such as a selfie with the user and aparticipant in all angular views such as original, side, rear, aerial,and birds-eye view.

As illustrated in FIG. 2E, the ACC system can provide a countdown timeron the mobile device 232 so that user can set a time for a picture to becaptured. This allows the user to set a countdown timer in order toshoot the perfect photo at any angle, orientation, and or format. Thecountdown timer can provide an audio count aloud to let the user and theparticipants know when and how to pose for a selfie, whether it's anaerial view, side view, rear view or original view selfie, the timerwill give you the user that chance to pose your best camera shot withouthaving to repeat that pose or view all within a single shot. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2F, the user can set a timer and thenpose with a participant to capture a unique selfie 242 without holdingthe phone in front of the user and the participant thereby creating aprofessional photo.

In implementations, with the timer, the satellite cameras, and themultiple cameras and censors built in the mobile device itself, the usercan set a countdown timer and select the type of view you the user wouldlike, whether its aerial, side, birds eye, rear, or just original selfiemode, thereby allowing the user and participants to pose before thecountdown timer expires. With these features, the user can store themobile device in his or her pockets to listen for the countdown aloud tocapture the perfect selfie at any angle, orientation, and or format for2D to 3D purposes using satellite cameras. Additionally, because the ACCsystem has access to multiple images and videos from the satellitecameras, the ACC system can create 2D and 3D images, video, aerial andbirds eye view to create the scenes needed to capture these types ofangles, orientations, and format.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates another example of the use of the ACC systemaccording to various implementations. In this example, a user entering aparking lot can access the ACC system on a mobile device and one or morecamera located at the parking lot (“satellite cameras”). The ACC systemcan access the satellite cameras located around the parking lot, forexample, security camera installed around the parking lot. Asillustrated in FIG. 3B, the user can access the ACC system and set-up anaerial security view 302 to show the surroundings and to show all areasof the parking lot that may not be in direct line of sight of the user.In this example, the ACC system can capture and create 2D or 3D imagesand videos for any angle such as an aerial, birds-eye, rear view, etc.In implementations, the user can select either view or combine all viewsas mentioned above to take a complete scan of the area in questionbefore exiting entering the parking lot.

In implementations, the ACC system can capture and create an aerialsecurity view that shows live footage of the parking lot as the usertravels from one place to another. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the aerialsecurity view can include an overhead real-time scene of the parkinglot, e.g., a grocery store parking lot as a user travels from hervehicle to the entrance. As illustrated, the user can utilize the aerialsecurity view to identify two guys that could be potential kidnappers orpurse snatchers. This gives the user the opportunity to be alert at alltimes, even when their potential predators are not even in plain view.This also gives the user the opportunity whether or not to use “thisparticular location,” e.g., grocery store, or to proceed to use a saferone. All this can be done before even exiting the vehicle to ensuresafety of the user. This scenario may also be applied to the concertexample, especially if a third party wants to monitor the user, such aschild or young adult while attending the concert. The mobile device willbe a guide which triggers all the available cameras to captureimages/video of the mobile device, so a third party (i.e., parent) canmonitor the mobile device location at all times via updated photos takenperiodically according to user preferences.

As discussed above, the satellite cameras used by the ACC system caninclude the camera of the mobile device of the user. FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate one type of mobile device camera that can be used by the ACCsystem. The mobile device camera can include a telescopic lens featuresthat allows a user to zoom when taking images or videos. Inimplementations, the telescopic lens 404, which is a physical systembuilt into the mobile device itself. The telescopic lens allows the userto control as to how far of a distance you the user would like tocapture an image. In implementations, such as FIG. 4A, when the imagecapture software is activated on the mobile device, the telescopic lensactivate and extends from the housing of the mobile device. Once theimage capture software is deactivated, the telescopic lens canautomatically retract back into the phone to prevent damage to the lensitself.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the user can activate the telescopic featureof the mobile device camera 404 to shoot at a long range distance asdemonstrated in FIG. 4B. When the camera lens is fully extended outward,it gives the user the option to capture a faraway scene in high quality,high resolution photo and or video. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.4A and 4B, the user can be located at the top floor of a high-riseresidential building attempting to film a video or take an image capturewith the mobile device 406 of a service station 408 across the street.FIG. 4C shows a major intersection and a gas station across the street,along with the distance between where the user is located and the gasstation 412 where the user wants to focus. In this example, the usersets the mobile device camera to wide angle to show a clear view of thegas station of which the user is planning to shoot, without thetelescopic lens activated. As shown, without the telescopic lensactivated, the image shows a blurred view of the vehicles at the gaspumps and their occupants at their vehicles. If the user wants tosolicit a satellite camera 404 to assist with a better angle or a betterclose-up view, the application may provide the ability to selectavailable in-network cameras 404 which are available to capture imagesof the point of interest 412.

As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the user can activate the telescopic lens, asillustrated in 404, in order to zoom into the scene. As illustrated, theoccupants occupying their vehicle appear in focus from a far. Thisfeature sets itself far beyond of which a normal camera on a mobiledevice is able to accomplish in high resolution and high definitionfashion using a digital zoom. However, the user may find the cameraangle and distance to be unsatisfactory, and thus the solicited camera404 may provide a preview of the quality available, such as the example422, which shows a quality and proximity as if the user was standing onthe other side of the street looking directly at the location ofinterest. The camera 404 may identify the correct angle fromnavigational and location data associated with the mobile device, suchas latitude, longitude, azimuth, view information from an image capturedby the mobile device, accelerometer data, gyroscope data, etc. Thecamera can then attempt to recreate the desired content by changing itsangle via a telescoping lens, a mechanical motor, etc. The cameraperspective data can be shared by the server to the camera device 404 toensure the correct angle is selected prior to recording data.

FIG. 4E illustrate an example of a remote user device attempting tocapture content on behalf of the original user device requesting anoptimal camera angle, according to example embodiments. In this example,the original user device 406 may have accessed the in-network cameraapplication to identify potential cameras which are available for hireto assist with a better angle and perhaps a closer view. In thisexample, the device 420 may be operated by a user standing across to thestreet and much closer to the facility than the original user and userdevice. The original user angles desired are known by the mobile deviceorientation data, which may include specific navigational and locationdata associated with the mobile device, such as latitude, longitude,azimuth, view information from an image captured by the mobile device,accelerometer data, gyroscope data, etc. The device 420 may then receivecommands from a server via a data network connection and may be prompted424 to move one direction or the other (e.g., move left 424) until thecorrect angle and position are achieved. Once the angle and view iscorrect on the solicited device 420 as requested by the requestingdevice 406 (see FIG. 4B), then the instructions may dictate how long avideo should be recorded, how many images to capture, etc., in order toreceive credit for the effort. The user account of the mobile device 420may then receive a credit for the effort assuming the instructions andactions were achieved (e.g., 30 seconds of video).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example image capturing network of image capturingdevices operating with a mobile device as part of a content capturingsubscription network, according to example embodiments. Referring toFIG. 5, the example configuration 550 demonstrates a scenario where themobile device 560 may be in any type of forum, location, environmentwith accessible cameras/content capturing devices 562-568. The contentserver 552 may be in communication with the mobile device 560 and thecapturing devices 562-568. The application accessed by the user device560 may be automated to solicit any cameras within 200 yards of themobile device to take X number of images per hour, X number of minutesof video every 30 minutes, etc. The content server data may includeprofiles of the user devices 560 which include those and otherpreferences for content capturing events along with other data 572 tooptimize the content capturing experience. The content network data maybe stored in a separate databank 554 and retrieved and updated whenchanges occur. This provides the user of the mobile device 560 with anopportunity to have content capturing occur anywhere the mobile device560 may move, provided that the devices are present to offer suchservices. The devices may operate on a credit system where users aresubscribed to the services for image sharing, automated social networkstatus updates, and/or security and safety reasons. One example mayinclude a major event status option where a user profile elects to haveany major event (e.g., major venues), documented with a few photos andvideos and automatically updated to the user's personal account, socialnetwork site, etc. This saves the step of uploading content and providesinterested parties with a way to identify the security of a mobiledevice user.

At a venue, such as a concert venue, the users are subscribers that takephotos and have an option to add other angles of other cameras which arenot their own mobile device camera. The option can be an add-oninterface feature that when selected can seek to establish a sessionwith other cameras. The cameras may be part of a network that is linkedto the user device profile. The cameras 562-568 can provide angles ofthe users which are identified via the mobile device location via alocal signal transmission (e.g., BLUETOOTH, WIFI, GPS, etc.), or anetwork based signal received from a remote server that is communicatingwith the mobile device via mobile data. Once the additional camera(s)are identified as being part of the same communication network andsubscription, the user may select the angles they desire, such as fromthe side, overhead, from the rear, etc., and submit requests to keepthose images which may be part of a subscription package that includes acertain amount of camera angles for a particular subscription valueservice (e.g., cost, time, etc.). Users may also accumulate credits byoffering the same service to others. For example, the users may bestanding in a particular position and may log into a service thatidentifies their location and their mobile device orientation. Theservice may instruct the user to begin capturing images via their mobiledevice camera at a particular angle. Each image and/or a particularamount of time capturing images/video may be required for the user toreceive a credit value.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example graphical user interface of an imagecapturing application operating on a user mobile device, according toexample embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6A, the example configuration 600includes a user device 610 which is operating the media(image/video/audio) capture application 618 to solicit other in-networkdevices as part of a set of preferences and information used to identifyand select media to capture 622. Other operations may be selected viamenu selection buttons and operators 624. This provides the user with anopportunity to identify how and what the user desires to capture fromneighboring devices.

FIG. 6B illustrates another example graphical user interface of an imagecapturing application operating on a user mobile device, according toexample embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6B, the configuration 650demonstrates the specific types of preferences a user may have initiated626 as part of an image capture sequence. For example, a user may entera start time, such as when the concert or adventure begins and an endtime during which the third party capturing devices may be solicited andwhen they are no longer solicited for media capture. A length of videosmay also be selected, some users may desire short 10 second videos whileothers prefer videos which are 2 minutes long, a number of videos/imagesper hour, an option to automatically post the images to an online socialnetwork account to save the step of doing so at a later time, and adistance measurement for minimum and maximum distances that a cameralocation with respect to the mobile device may be selected toparticipate in the media capture process.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example system configuration of a user deviceaccessing content captured from a remote camera, such as 709 and thelike, according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7A, the system700 includes a user ‘A’ 702, a user device 704, an application server710 and a capture device 709. The example process may include the userdevice being used to initiate an image capture process 712, and theserver 710 would retrieve the user profile and identify settings 714 andpreferences to apply to the available network of image capture devices.The devices which qualify for usage would be enabled to begin imagecapturing at the appropriate times and according to the preferences 716.The captured data would be performed according to the preferences 718and provided 722 to the server 710. The profile and image store would beupdated to include the new media captured 724. The user device mayreceive a preview of the content captured to decide what to select andnot select 726.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example system configuration of a user deviceaccessing content captured from a remote user device, according toexample embodiments. In another example, the camera may be replaced withanother user device 708 and user 706 that operates the device, thesimilar process 752-756 may be performed as that in the example of FIG.7A, however, the user device 708 may have specific command prompts sentto ensure the angles, views, distances, filters, etc., are setupproperly 758 so the requesting user device 704 and its preferences areall satisfied. Then the data is sent back 762 for storage 764 andpreview purposes 766, if necessary. If the user selects or agrees to thekeep the image data then the user account for user device 708 iscompensated 768.

One feature of the application operating on the mobile device mayinclude a trigger to start using another device instead of just relyingon different angles, of the original device. For example, the user maycapture an image(s) or video data from a camera on the mobile device.The user may zoom in via a physical zoom function on the mobile device,such as a telescoping lens and/or a digital zoom function that processesimage data to appear closer to the device. However, a user may desire tocapture additional image data that is even closer than the camera canprovide or from an angle the user cannot obtain due to constraints, suchas when filming from an urban landscape, the edge of a mountain, abalcony of a multi-story building, etc. When the zoom function ismaximized and/or when the user accepts a better potential location andangle, another user device may be solicited via a notification or othercommunication function. If the additional camera(s) across the street orat the closer location is a shared camera that participates in imagedata sharing, then the user may begin receiving a live feed from thatcamera and may be able to control other features of the additionalcamera. If that camera provides one or more of a tilt, zoom, pan, etc.,feature, then the user mobile device may be able to control thosefeatures of the additional camera(s) once the communication andsubscription service have initiated. If the other camera is another userdevice, then the user of the another user device may receive aninstruction to move the camera capture angle to a different locationthat matches the position and angle sought by the original mobiledevice. (e.g., image matching, location determination, angle matchingvia image processing, gyroscope information, map matching, etc.).Responsive to a zoom maximum operation and/or a certain period of time,the camera can solicit network cameras automatically.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example machine of a computer system within whicha set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one ormore of the methodologies discussed herein, can be executed. Inimplementations, the machine can be connected (e.g., networked) to othermachines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and/or the Internet. Themachine can operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine inclient-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment, or as a server or a client machinein a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

The machine can be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box(STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a webappliance, a server, a network router, a switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further,while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” also includesany collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set(or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a main memory504 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM),etc.), a static memory 506 (e.g., flash memory, static random accessmemory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage device 518, which communicatewith each other via a bus 530.

The processing device 502 represents one or more general-purposeprocessing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit,or the like. For example, the processing device can be complexinstruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction setcomputing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, or processor implementing other instruction sets, orprocessors implementing a combination of instruction sets.

The processing device 502 can also be one or more special-purposeprocessing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), network processor, or the like. The processing device502 is configured to execute instructions 526 for performing theoperations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system 500 further includes a network interface device 508to communicate over the network 520. The computer system 500 alsoincludes a video display unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., akeyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), a graphicsprocessing unit 522, a signal generation device 516 (e.g., a speaker),graphics processing unit 522, video processing unit 528, and audioprocessing unit 532.

The data storage device 518 can include a machine-readable storagemedium 524 (also known as a computer-readable medium) on which is storedone or more sets of instructions or software 526 embodying any one ormore of the methodologies or functions described herein. Theinstructions 526 can also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 504 and/or within the processing device 502during execution thereof by the computer system 500, the main memory 504and the processing device 502 also constituting machine-readable storagemedia.

In implementations, the instructions 526 include instructions toimplement functionality corresponding to the components of a device toperform the disclosure herein. While the machine-readable storage medium524 is shown in an example implementation to be a single medium, theterm “machine-readable storage medium” includes a single medium ormultiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/orassociated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “machine-readable storage medium” also includesany medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructionsfor execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform anyone or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term“machine-readable storage medium” also includes, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of the presentteachings are described by referring mainly to examples of variousimplementations thereof. However, one of ordinary skill in the art wouldreadily recognize that the same principles are equally applicable to,and can be implemented in, all types of information and systems, andthat any such variations do not depart from the true spirit and scope ofthe present teachings. Moreover, in the detailed description, referencesare made to the accompanying figures, which illustrate specific examplesof various implementations. Logical and structural changes can be madeto the examples of the various implementations without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present teachings. The detailed descriptionis, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of thepresent teachings is defined by claims and their equivalents.

In addition, it should be understood that steps of the examples of themethods set forth in the present disclosure can be performed indifferent orders than the order presented in the present disclosure.Furthermore, some steps of the examples of the methods can be performedin parallel rather than being performed sequentially. Also, the steps ofthe examples of the methods can be performed in a network environment inwhich some steps are performed by different computers in the networkedenvironment.

Some embodiments are implemented by a computer system. A computer systemcan include a processor, a memory, and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. The memory and non-transitory medium can storeinstructions for performing methods and steps described herein.

Some portions of the preceding detailed descriptions have been presentedin terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations ondata bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the ways used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to adesired result. The operations are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, itis appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “identifying” or “calculating” or “determining” or“executing” or “performing” or “collecting” or “creating” or “sending”or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, orsimilar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage devices. Furthermore, to the extent thatthe terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in the detailed description, such terms are intended tobe inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” As usedherein, the terms “one or more of” and “at least one of” with respect toa listing of items such as, for example, A and B, means A alone, Balone, or A and B. Further, unless specified otherwise, the term “set”should be interpreted as “one or more.” Also, the term “couple” or“couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection.Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection canbe through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection viaother devices, components, and connections.

The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing theoperations herein. This apparatus can be specially constructed for theintended purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computerselectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored inthe computer. Such a computer program can be stored in a computerreadable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of diskincluding floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-opticaldisks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs),erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards,flash memory devices, or any type of media suitable for storingelectronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus. Examplesof implementations of the present disclosure can also be provided as acomputer program product, or software, that may include amachine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which can beused to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) toperform a process according to the present disclosure.

Various general purpose systems can be used with programs in accordancewith the teachings herein, or a more specialized apparatus can beutilized to perform the method. Examples of the structure for a varietyof systems appear in the description above. In addition, the presentdisclosure is not described with reference to any particular programminglanguage. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languagesmay be used to implement the teachings of the disclosure as describedherein.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the logic flowsdepicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, orsequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other stepscan be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows,and other components can be added to, or removed from, the describedsystems.

It will be readily understood that the components of the application, asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments is not intended tolimit the scope of the application as claimed but is merelyrepresentative of selected embodiments of the application.

One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that theabove may be configured with hardware elements in configurations thatare different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although theapplication has been described based upon these preferred embodiments,it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would beapparent.

While preferred embodiments of the present application have beendescribed, it is to be understood that the embodiments described areillustrative only and the scope of the application is to be definedsolely by the appended claims when considered with a full range ofequivalents and modifications (e.g., materials, shapes, sizes, etc.)thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a content captureaction initiated from a mobile device; determining whether contentcapture devices are proximate to the mobile device; capturing contentassociated with a location of the mobile device based on one or moremobile device profile preferences; and responsive to capturing thecontent, updating a mobile device profile status.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the content comprises one or more of an image and video. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether any content capturedevices are proximate to the mobile device further comprises identifyinga location of the mobile device; and determining whether the contentcapture devices are within a predefined distance threshold of the mobiledevice.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether anycontent capture devices are proximate to the mobile device furthercomprises identifying a location of the mobile device; and determiningwhether one or more of the content capture devices can capture contentthat includes the mobile device location.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein determining whether any content capture devices are proximate tothe mobile device further comprises identifying a location of the mobiledevice; and determining whether one or more of the content capturedevices can capture content that satisfies one or more of the mobiledevice profile preferences.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein when oneor more content capture devices are proximate to the mobile device:determining whether the mobile device and the one or more contentcapture devices are subscribed to a same content sharing service; andselecting one or more of the one or more content capture devicescomprises applying one or more user content preferences.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the mobile device profile is stored in a server. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the content capture devices comprise aplurality of cameras which are located above or below the location ofthe mobile device.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the content capturedevices are one or more of fixed position cameras, extraterrestrialcameras, and flying drone cameras.
 10. A system comprising: a mobiledevice configured to forward a content capture action initiated by themobile device; a server configured to receive the content captureaction; determine whether content capture devices are proximate to themobile device; wherein the content capture devices are configured tocapture content associated with a location of the mobile device based onone or more mobile device profile preferences; and wherein the server,responsive to receiving the captured content, is configured to update amobile device profile status.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein thecontent comprises one or more of an image and video.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein when the server determines whether any content capturedevices are proximate to the mobile device the server is furtherconfigured to identify a location of the mobile device; and determinewhether the content capture devices are within a predefined distancethreshold of the mobile device.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein whenthe server determines whether any content capture devices are proximateto the mobile device the server is further configured to identify alocation of the mobile device; and determine whether one or more of thecontent capture devices can capture content that includes the mobiledevice location.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein when the serverdetermines whether any content capture devices are proximate to themobile device the server is further configured to identify a location ofthe mobile device; and determine whether one or more of the contentcapture devices can capture content that satisfies one or more of themobile device profile preferences.
 15. The system of claim 10, whereinwhen one or more content capture devices are proximate to the mobiledevice, the server is further configured to determine whether the mobiledevice and the one or more content capture devices are subscribed to asame content sharing service; and select one or more of the one or morecontent capture devices by applying one or more user contentpreferences.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the mobile deviceprofile is stored in a server.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein thecontent capture devices comprise a plurality of cameras which arelocated above or below the location of the mobile device.
 18. The systemof claim 10, wherein the content capture devices are one or more offixed position cameras, extraterrestrial cameras, and flying dronecameras.